Police arrest 24 suspected cultists during forest raid

Operatives of the Ondo State Police Command have arrested 24 suspected members of the Aiye Confraternity during a raid on an alleged cult initiation gathering in Ile-Oluji, Ondo State.

The operation was carried out by the Special Anti-Cultism Squad (SACS) from Akure on Sunday following intelligence reports about a planned secret meeting and initiation ceremony in a secluded forest area within Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo Local Government Area.

Police authorities said the suspects, all males, had reportedly assembled from different parts of the state and neighboring areas before security operatives stormed the location.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the operation was executed without any casualties or exchange of gunfire.

He stated that preliminary investigations indicated the gathering was intended for the initiation of new members into the outlawed cult group as well as a regional meeting of existing members.

Items recovered from the scene included berets and caps bearing the insignia associated with the Aiye Confraternity, substances suspected to be cannabis, and several mobile phones now undergoing forensic analysis.

The Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, CP Adebowale Lawal, commended the anti-cultism unit for what he described as a timely and professional operation.

Lawal reiterated the command’s commitment to tackling cult-related violence and other criminal activities capable of threatening public peace and security in the state.

“We remain committed to identifying and prosecuting individuals involved in criminal conspiracies and cult-related activities,” the police commissioner said, adding that the raid prevented a potential security threat from escalating.

The latest arrests form part of a broader crackdown on cultism across Ondo State amid growing concerns over clashes between rival confraternities in some communities.

In recent weeks, police authorities have intensified surveillance and enforcement operations in areas considered vulnerable to cult-related activities, including parts of Idanre, Owo, and Akure.

The 24 suspects remain in police custody and are expected to be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.

The Ondo State Police Command also urged residents to continue cooperating with security agencies by providing useful information that could help combat cultism and other criminal activities across the state.